How Much to Get a Car Key Cut

A new car key could cost more than you anticipated. This is due to the fact that different keys come with different features.

If your car has a traditional metal key that has no chip or fob, you can duplicate it at a very low cost at a majority of hardware stores and locksmiths. Certain keys require specialized equipment to duplicate.

What Kind of Key?

There are a variety of types of car keys and the type you've got will determine how much it will cost you to purchase an replacement. Keys for standard cars that don't contain transponder chips are simple to replace, and they can be duplicated in most hardware stores for a small fee. However modern keys require special equipment to be programmed for your particular vehicle, so they may require the services of a professional.

Keys for cars that are standard are made by putting the original key on a duplication machine, then using it as a template for the new key. A blank key is then placed over the existing one and cut, creating a duplicate of the original key that is able to unlock and start your vehicle. Depending on the model of your car you might also have an anti-theft or valet key which has a transponder chip that communicates with your car's system to prevent theft. These keys are slightly more robust shanks, and less carved grooves than standard keys and are more difficult to copy.

A laser-cut car key, also called a sidewinder is a different kind of key. They are more expensive to duplicate than normal keys and require special programming equipment that is only available at dealerships. These keys have a distinctive design in the blade of the key, which makes them harder to duplicate. They are often used in luxury vehicles.

If you have lost your keys and require a duplicate you can typically purchase one from an hardware store, though the quality of the key may not be as high as the original. If your car has a transponder chip fob you'll need to visit a dealership or locksmith.

Some auto parts stores, like AutoZone, also offer key duplication for cars. They can make basic keys and, in some instances, replace the key fob. They tend to be more affordable than a professional locksmith however, they are unable to create spare keys for your specific vehicle.

Transponder Keys

Chip keys or transponder keys are found in the majority of modern vehicles. These keys are bigger than metal keys and include a small chip. The chips are designed to make it impossible for someone to steal your vehicle. When you connect your transponder to the ignition cylinder, it will transmit a radio signal that includes an identification. The immobilizer in your car will scan the code to determine if it is compatible and won't allow the engine to start in the event that it doesn't.

If you're in the market for a new transponder key you should contact a locksmith who will be capable of copying your key using a special machine that can read the information from your car's system and match it to the appropriate code. This is a process that requires special tools that are usually only available through locksmiths who are professionals and at some dealerships.

There are several different types of transponder keys in existence, each with its own distinct capabilities. However they all function similar in that they send out a signal that includes a sequence of letters or numbers. The computer in the vehicle scans the signal to determine whether it is compatible with the code. If it does, the immobilizer is removed and the vehicle is unable to start.